Pages

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Why is webOS limited to Sprint?

Does it seem fair? Currently, Apple's iPhone OS is limited to AT&T. Palm's webOS is limited to Sprint. That doesn't seem like it's the best way to market a product if you ask me. Let's take a look at a few other smartphone operating systems:

Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS can be found on all the major carriers.

RIM's BlackBerry OS can also be found on all the major carriers.

Google's Android OS is now on almost every networks (currently on T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint, but not on AT&T yet)

Does it make sense to limit iPhone and webOS to single carriers? From a marketing perspective, the answer clearly seems to be 'no.' We've heard rumors that Palm's webOS devices will begin to appear on Verizon Wireless. The international GSM version of the Palm Pre can be used in the U.S. if you can find it on eBay. We've heard rumors of an Apple iPhone for Verizon as well.

So in 2010, will all the major smartphone operating systems be available on all the major U.S. mobile phone networks?